Integrated Pest Management

To provide a safe and healthy environment, CKSD has adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for managing undesired vegetation and pests. The program is an ecological approach to suppressing pest populations (weeds, insects, diseases) in which alternative pest controls are considered, and, where practical, implemented before chemical controls are used.

CKSD will manage undesired vegetation and other pests using an ecological approach which minimizes the use of pesticides risks to human health and the environment. The district will perform regular monitoring of grounds and facilities to determine when treatments are needed and employ physical, biological, chemical, and education tactics to prevent intolerable damage or annoyance from undesired vegetation or pests. If use of a pesticide is determined to be the most effective, economical, and environmentally safe approach, its application will be timed to minimize adverse effects to human health and beneficial organisms.

To notify students, staff, parents and users of school properties of a planned pesticide application, signs will be posted a minimum 48 hours in advance of the application except when immediate action is required. If pre-notification is not provided, signs will be posted at the main entrance to each school and the location of the application and will list the name of the pesticide; the date and time of the planned application; the area to be treated; and the name and telephone number of the contact person. Pre-notification will not be sent when students do not occupy the facility for two consecutive days following the application per RCW 17.21.415.

In addition, the district will provide a Notice of Pesticide Application to all interested persons provided they sign the Pesticide Notification Request document located in the main office of each school.

The Grounds Department makes an effort to apply fertilizer to fields and lawn areas on non-student days. Dates for fertilizer application vary each year dependent upon the school calendar and weather conditions. Generally, fertilizer is applied during early October, mid-December, early April, mid-June, and mid-August.